Adult Ortho Treatment in Little Rock, AR

You are never too old to improve the health and appearance of your smile. More adult patients are undergoing orthodontic treatment these days than ever. In fact, 20 percent of all orthodontic patients happen to be adults. Dr. Michael Ashcraft is proud to offer Little Rock, AR patients the comprehensive care they need to finally achieve a straight, picture-perfect smile. Orthodontics may be part of a smile makeover treatment plan or desired simply to correct tooth misalignment and other cosmetic and functional concerns.

Getting that attractive smile you have always wanted can be a huge asset to your social confidence, professional life, and overall well-being. Since jawbone growth and development is complete at this stage in life, we have to go about repositioning the teeth with a different approach compared with how we treat younger patients. To learn if wearing braces is right at this stage in your life and the best way to achieve your goals, schedule a treatment consultation today at Ashcraft Orthodontics Little Rock.

Adults can be ideal candidates for orthodontic treatment, no matter what age they may be. Even older adults can still benefit from improving the function and appearance of the smile with braces. Today’s options offer a number of discreet approaches to straightening the smile, causing little interference with your lifestyle or professional responsibilities. You may be a candidate for adult orthodontics if you have a crossbite, overbite, or underbite, rotated teeth, gapped or crooked teeth, or protruding teeth.

Periodontal (gum) disease is common among adults and affects the underlying bone that supports the teeth. Since orthodontics works to gently move the teeth through bone tissue until they reach an ideal location, wearing braces during active periodontal infection is not recommended. Doing so could actually worsen the long-term health of your teeth and jawbone. Gum disease must first be stabilized and controlled before moving forward with orthodontic treatment. 

Braces work by applying gentle forces to the teeth, allowing them to migrate slowly through the bone to a healthier location in your jaw. To determine your optimal treatment plan and maximize your end results, Dr. Ashcraft will take digital impressions of your mouth along with a detailed panoramic image of your teeth and jaw. Several options for braces exist today, some of which allow you to undergo orthodontic treatment in a way that best meets your lifestyle. Our team will review your options for braces, which may include traditional metal braces, clear braces that feature tooth-colored ceramic or plastic brackets and a thin wire, or removable clear teeth aligners, such as Invisalign®. During your consultation, Dr. Ashcraft will thoroughly explain the benefits of your treatment options and listen to your concerns and then help you choose the braces solution best for your smile. 

While you are wearing braces, our team will schedule periodic visits for you at our practice so that Dr. Ashcraft can adjust your wires as needed to complete your care. It is critical to the health of your teeth and gums to keep up with routine, meticulous home care each day and brush and floss after every meal. Routine dental cleaning and exams with your general dentist are also important to your overall oral health and wellness. If you have a history of gum disease, more frequent cleanings with your dentist may be recommended to maintain your oral health. Braces provide additional areas for harmful bacteria and plaque to hide so regular maintenance is crucial to the health of your teeth, gums, and jawbone.

When the active phase of your orthodontic treatment is complete and your braces are removed, we will take impressions once again of your teeth to make your retainers. Wearing your retainers as recommended by our team can keep your teeth in place and help preserve the investment you have made in your oral health and smile. We will provide you with instructions on how to care for your retainers and give you an idea of how long you will need to wear your appliances.

Orthodontic treatment for adults may or may not be covered by dental insurance. Our team will contact your provider and determine if you have orthodontic benefits as an adult. To help make your care as affordable as possible, Ashcraft Orthodontics Little Rock offers a convenient in-house payment solution and accepts flexible payment options, as well as CareCredit® plans. For more information on patient financing, talk to our team today.

Regardless of your age, a gorgeous and confident smile is within your reach. Ashcraft Orthodontics Little Rock is the premier location for achieving optimal orthodontic results at any age. We are proud to offer a range of braces solutions to fit within the demands of your lifestyle. To learn more about your options for achieving a straight smile, contact our Little Rock, AR practice and schedule a visit with Dr. Ashcraft today.